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March 31, 2025
Dear Florida Counseling Association Members, Leaders, Committees, and Students,
It is with immense pride and deep gratitude that I share a few reflections from 2025 American Counseling Association (ACA) Conference, held right here in our beautiful state of Florida. As your President, I was profoundly honored to represent the Florida Counseling Association (FCA) at this incredible gathering of minds, hearts, and helping professionals.
Being surrounded by so many dedicated counselors, educators, students, and supervisors was truly energizing and affirming. The air was filled with purpose, passion, and the unwavering belief in the power of our profession to transform lives. Together, we stood as a testament to the resilience and unity of Florida’s counseling community.
I had the privilege of speaking with so many graduate students who are working tirelessly to complete their degrees, eager to join the counseling profession—a field in urgent need of committed, compassionate professionals. Their energy was contagious. They were so excited to be present, to learn, and to connect. Their hunger for knowledge and their deep desire to serve our communities was both humbling and inspiring. These future counselors are the heart of our profession’s next generation, and I left the event more hopeful than ever for what lies ahead.
Despite the challenges we’ve faced in Florida from legislative pressures to logistical hurdles we stood strong, and we rose. We surpassed obstacles to ensure this event was not only possible but fully embraced by members from every corner of our state, across the nation, and represented globally. This was more than just a conference, it was a declaration of who we are and who we continue to become.
The connections we make at these conferences are forever inspiring and transformative, opening doors to future collaborations, personal growth, and expanded outreach into the communities we serve. I hope many of you were able to attend this invaluable and beautifully diverse event. While the hustle of running between meetings, presentations, and main events made it difficult to connect with everyone, I cherished every moment I had with those I did see and it was a true privilege.
My hope is that the knowledge and insight you gained will enrich your skills, broaden your opportunities, and empower you to continue the meaningful work you do across our Florida communities.
Two moments from the convention deeply touched my heart. First, having the honor of opening the ACA 2025 Conference on behalf of our state and welcoming our ACA and FCA members was unforgettable. Second, receiving a $10,000 funding donation to FCA was an emotional and humbling moment.
As part of the presentation, it was shared:
“The members of the FCA have not only been active in their local community, but also played a pivotal role in the planning of this year’s annual conference—helping and keeping our advocacy focus. Florida counseling professionals have been doing the work on behalf of their clients and communities. We’re so glad that we were able to bring the greater ACA community together to support them, and we hope they can utilize this funding effort to continue making a meaningful impact.”
This funding will help us expand our educational initiatives, grow our membership, and strengthen our advocacy efforts throughout Florida. It represents a commitment to our future and a recognition of the vital work you all do.
I want to give a heartfelt thank-you to Dr. Christine Suniti Bhat, President of ACA, and CEO Shawn Boynes, who graciously presented the check to FCA. These two extraordinary leaders exemplify what it means to lead with both compassion and vision. Their belief in FCA’s mission, along with their generosity, inspires us to keep pushing forward. They have not only invested in our future but have reminded us all of the power of unity and shared purpose across our profession.
To those who attended and represented FCA—thank you. I recognize the sacrifice it takes to step away from your families, jobs, and finances. Your presence mattered, and your contribution will ripple through our profession in meaningful ways. The ACA reception was also a highlight, spectacularly showcasing Indian culture through vibrant Bollywood dancing! The ACA leadership team was incredibly generous, supportive, and welcoming to FCA. It is an experience I will never forget.
I also want to personally thank the ACA staff for their outstanding hospitality and the warm welcome they extended to me throughout the event. Your kindness and professionalism made a lasting impression, and it was a joy to be embraced as a partner in this national community of counselors. A very special thank-you to Ms. Genny Lush, ACA Executive Assistant, and Ms. Shirley Antolik, whose incredible support and kindness helped make my experience not only smooth but meaningful. They provided support to me far beyond logistics and they offered genuine care, encouragement, and the kind of thoughtful presence that reflects the very heart of our profession.
A special shout-out goes to our very own Dr. Frank Gorritz Fitzsimons, recipient of the S. Kent Butler Transformative Impact Award. We are beyond proud of you. Your dedication, courage, and impact have not gone unnoticed. You embody the spirit of transformative leadership, and we are honored to stand with you. Thank you, Frank!
To our members, our leadership, and our growing network of allies and advocates—thank you. Thank you for believing in our shared mission, for leading with heart, and for continuing to lift others as you climb.
We’re only in March, and yet, we’ve accomplished so much together. This is just the beginning. Thank you to Dr. Lauren Shure, Chair of the Public Policy & Legislation Committee, and to every committee member for your tireless work in organizing a successful “Day on the Hill.” Your advocacy efforts are critical in ensuring that the voices of counselors and the communities we serve are heard loud and clear.
The videos from the ACA Opening Ceremony and the FCA Funding Award Presentation will soon be available on our webpage. Please take a moment to view these powerful and emotional milestones that remind us why we do what we do.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Let’s keep lifting each other up. Because together, we are not only counselors—we are catalysts for change.
With heartfelt gratitude and hope,
Dr. Lourdes Araujo, LMHC
President, Florida Counseling Association (2024-2025)
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